Basic Principals of Sensation

Question 1

Sensation

Answer 1

The process of detecting a physical stimulus such as light, sound, heat, or pressure. Its relative strength of stimulus. Relative to the duration of exposure.

Question 2

Sensory Receptors

Answer 2

Specialized cells unique to each sense organ that respond to specific sensory stimuli.

Question 3

Transduction

Answer 3

Sensory receptors convert physical energy into coded neural signal that can be processed by the nervous system.

Question 4

Threshold

Answer 4

The point at which a stimulus is strong enough to be detected because it activates a sensory receptor cell.

Question 5

Absolute Threshold

Answer 5

Smallest possible strength of a stimulus that can be detected half of the time.

(Levels of detection varies from person to person).

Question 6

Difference Threshold

Answer 6

Smallest possible difference between two stimuli that can be detected half the time.
(Just noticeable difference)
Will vary depending on its relation to the og stimuli.

Question 7

Weber’s Law

Answer 7

Whether we can detect a change in the strength of a stimulus depends on the intensity of the original stimulus.
Shows that sensation is relative.

Question 8

Sensory Adaption

Answer 8

The gradual end eventual decline in sensitivity to a stimulus.
; We become used to constant stimuli so we quickly notice a new or changing stimuli.

Question 9

Subliminal Perception

Answer 9

Detection of stimuli that are below the threshold of conscious awareness; nonconscious perception.

Question 10

Mere Exposure Effect

Answer 10

Repeated exposure to a particular stimulus leads to increased liking for that stimuls.